JAMMU, March 30 : Asserting that ‘Vande Mataram’ is not merely a collection of verses but a profound experience woven into the nation’s civilisational fabric, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called upon every section of society to unite with a single dream of making India the world’s greatest nation. Addressing the closing ceremony of the special phase marking 150 years of Vande Mataram at the Abhinav Theatre here, the Lt Governor as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) emphasised that the devotion towards the national song in Jammu and Kashmir reflects how the Union Territory has shed its painful past to embrace the ideals of patriotism. “Vande Mataram is our identity, strength, and vow. It revives memories of immortal martyrs, honours their sacrifices, and renews our commitment to India’s glory,” LG Sinha said. He observed that the special week-long phase, organised from March 23 to March 30 to commemorate Shaheedi Diwas, offered a moment to reflect at the confluence of history and
aspiration. “When every citizen of J&K UT dedicates themselves to building a developed India, I believe that collective spirit will become an unstoppable force,” he added. The Lt Governor credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the transformation in the region. “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji, Jammu Kashmir has been integrated into the national mainstream, setting new benchmarks in development and showcasing profound patriotism through pivotal events like Vande Mataram and Har Ghar Tiranga,” LG Sinha said. Citing the UT’s stellar performance in the previous phases of the commemorative event, he noted that in the first phase (November 7-14, 2025), nine of India’s top 10 performing districts were from Jammu and Kashmir, with Kishtwar at number one. In the second phase (January 19-26, 2026), six districts from the UT figured in the top 10, led by Poonch. “I firmly believe a region’s greatest strength lies in its ability to envision its future. In Jammu Kashmir, I’m witnessing
that potential flourish,” he said, adding that true patriotism is the bedrock of peace and progress. The Lt Governor also highlighted India’s resilience on the global stage amid recent turmoil. “The past decade brought global turmoil and crises from Ukraine to West Asia, plaguing most nations. Yet, under the able leadership and guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, India has emerged resilient, sustaining its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” he said. He further called upon political parties, civil society members, and all sections of society to join the fight against the drug menace and transform the ‘Nasha Mukt’ campaign into a people’s movement in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, the Lt Governor paid tribute to freedom fighters and visited a photo exhibition depicting their historic contributions. The event, organised by the Culture department, also featured patriotic performances by artists and students. Among those present were Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, MLAs Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa, and Arvind Gupta, along with senior officials and Padma
